^^^^HBSIBa 


n~'HE  GLOSS 


\of  YOUTH' 


BY 


Horace  Howard  Furness,  Jr. 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


GIFT  OF 

Professor  Itenneth 
MacGowan 


(( 


THE   GLOSS   OF  YOUTH  *' 


"THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH" 

AN  IMAGINARY  EPISODE  IN  THE 

LIVES   OF  WILLIAM   SHAKESPEARE 

AND  JOHN  FLETCHER 


BY 
HORACE  HOWARD  FURNESS,  JR. 


PHILADELPHIA  &  LONDON 

J.  B.  LIPPINCOTT   COMPANY 

1920 


COPYRIGHT.    1920,   BY  J.   B.   LIPPINCOTT  COMPANY 


PRINTED   BY  J.   B.   LIPPINCOTT  COMPANY 

AT  THE  WASHINGTON  SQUARE  PRESS 

PHILADELPHIA,  U.  S.  A. 


;  J3S 


IN  ITS  PRESENT  FORM  THIS  PLAY  IS 
DEDICATED  TO  THE  READING  PUB- 
LIC ONLY,  AND  NO  PERFORMANCE 
OF  IT  MAY  BE  GIVEN  WITHOUT 
THE  PERMISSION  OF  OTIS  SKINNER, 
BRYN    MAWR,    PENNSYLVANIA 


>f  ^  r-  ^- 


%^<o>'- 


SONNET  XXIX 

When  in  disgrace  with  fortune  and  men's  eyes, 
I  all  alone  beweep  my  outcast  state, 
And  trouble  deaf  heaven  with  my  bootless  cries, 
And  look  upon  myself  and  curse  my  fate, 
Wishing  me  like  to  one  more  rich  in  hope, 
Featured  like  him,  like  him  with  friends  possessed, 
Desiring  this  man's  art  and  that  man's  scope, 
With  what  I  most  enjoy  contented  least; 
Yet  in  these  thoughts  myself  almost  despising. 
Haply  I  think  on  thee,  and  then  my  state, 
Like  to  the  lark  at  break  of  day  arising 
From  sullen  earth,  sings  hymns  at  heaven's  gate; 
For  thy  sweet  love  remembered,  such  wealth  brings 
That  then  I  scorn  to  change  my  state  with  kings. 


FIRST  PRODUCTION  GIVEN  AT 

FRANKLIN  INN  CLUB 

PHILADELPHIA 

JANUARY  8th,  1920 


CHARACTERS 


Shakespeare 

John  Fletcher 

Mistress  Stephan  Bellott 

Nan  Bellott,  her  Daughter,  aged  9 

Noll,  aged  14 

Jack,  aged  10 


(( 


THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH'' 


Time:  April  1615 

SCENE:  A  room  in  Shakespeare^ s  house,  Black- 
friars.  L.  table  with  high-backed  chairs  at  R. 
and  back  and  plain  oak  stool  at  L.  Several 
books  on  table,  one  a  large  folio  open,  also 
pages  of  MS.  Pens  in  stand,  and  large 
metal  ifik  pot.  R.  fireplace  with  andirons  and 
logs;  in  front  of  fire  high-backed  arm-chair 
facing  audience.  At  C.  hack  an  oak  chest 
with  purple  mantle  half  out,  a  large  felt  hat 
on  top;  inside  chest  a  plain  gold  crown  and 
straight  sword  in  scabbard. 

Fletcher 
[Off  R.]     Will,  why  such  haste! 

Shakespeare 

[Of  R.]    Let  be!    Let  be! 

Shakespeare  enters  R.,  followed  by  Fletcher. 

[II] 


"THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH" 

Fletcher 
Nay  but,  Will,  hear  me! 

Shakespeare 

Patience  perforce  is  medicine,  you  know,  for 
a  mad  dog.  I  cannot  help  hearing  thee;  calling 
so  loud — 

Fletcher 

Nay,  then  listen! 

Shakespeare 

Not  so;  I  am  not  in  the  vein  to  listen  to  thee, 
Jack,  nor  I  will  not — 

Fletcher 

Will,  you  were  not  wont  to  treat  me  so.  What 
hath  come  to  thee  that  thou  art  ever  in  these 
doleful  dumps  t  Where  are  thy  merry  gibes  and 
all  thy  gamesome  ways .'' 

[Shakespeare  silently  unties  cords  of  cloak; 
throws  it  on  chair  by  fireplace  and  seats  him- 
self at  table  L.  Fletcher  stands  C.  with  hat 
and  cloak  still  on.] 

Shakespeare 

Why  then,  Jack,  this  it  is;  I  am  sick  at  heart! 

[12] 


"THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH" 

Fletcher 

Sick  at  heart !  Thou  ?  Art  not  still  the  idol  of 
the  public?  [Shakespeare  makes  a  contemptuous 
gesttire.]  The  Globe  is  ne'er  so  crowded  as  when 
one  of  thy  plays  is  toward — 

Shakespeare 

Ay  plays!  Plays  you  may  call  them — but  of 
my  work,  what  then  ?  The  ignorant  rabble  care 
but  for  a  comedy  or  a  jig,  and  I  care  not  for  their 
praise  of  what  any  man  may  do  as  well  as  I. 
Two  lovers  in  a  forest — sugared  lines — enough 
for  the  clown  or  the  fool's  zany  to  get  abundance 
of  laughter;  or  two  or  three  wastrels  in  a  drink- 
ing bout  interrupted  by  a  solemn  ass  and  told  to 
mend  their  ways.  This  is  your  comedy — look 
now  what  follows — thinkest  thou  that  Othello, 
Macbeth,  or  distraught  Lear  could  suffer  all,  and 
I  not  feel  each  pang  of  theirs  ?  The  child  brought 
forth  in  tears  and  anguish  is  loved  the  more,  for 
with  its  coming,  comes  surcease  of  pain — and 
joy  is  in  such  birth. 

Fletcher 

[Eagerly]  Will,  art  thou  then  at  work  upon 
another  such  as  these  ?   That  news  is  good  indeed. 

[13I 


"THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH" 

Shakespeare 

Not  I.  But,  Jack,  it  grieves  me  to  the  soul  to 
find  that  what  hath  caused  me  joy  in  setting 
forth  now  falls  on  dull  and  unresponsive  ears. 

Fletcher 

'Twill  not  be  ever  thus.    This  play — or  rather 

work — that    we    have    now    in    hand    will    win 

them  back. 

Shakespeare 

Nay,  Jack,  my  hand  hath  lost  its  cunning; 
this  moves  me  not  a  whit  [lays  hand  on  open 
folio].  Dan  Chaucer  hath  told  the  tale  well,  but 
it  is  naught  but  a  tale  at  best.  What  was  it 
you  called  this — play? 

Fletcher 
^^  The    Two    Noble    Kinsmen^'' — Let    me    see 
what  thou  hast  writ — 

[Sits  at  table  opposite  to  Shakespeare.] 
Shakespeare 
Ay!     In  good  faith  'tis  poor  enough  to  suit 
the  common  cry  of  them — 
[Hands  sheet  of  writing.] 

Fletcher 
[Reads  to  himself,  then  aloud.]     "Let  us  leave 
the  city,  before  we  further  sully  our  gloss  of 

[14] 


"THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH" 

youth. "  [Pauses  and  softly  repeats  the  last  line.] 
"Our  gloss  of  youth" — ^That's  good — 

"And  to  follow  the  common  stream  'twould 
bring  us  to  an  eddy 
Where  we  should  turn  or  drown;  if  labour 

through 
Our  gain  but  life,  and  weakness" — 
I  do  not  rightly  understand  that  last — 

Shakespeare 

Ay,  Jack,  thou  wouldst  not — [Bitterly].  But 
for  myself  I  will  not  follow  the  common  stream 
and  gain  but  life  and  weakness 

[Fletcher  shakes  his  head  sadly,  then  continues 
to  read  to  himself.  Shakespeare  leans  head 
on  hand  in  moody  silence.] 

Fletcher 

Tush,  Will,  this  that  follows  is  but  idle  stuff! 
It  will  not  do  at  all.  The  lines  are  harsh, 
the  words — 

Shakespeare 

[Slowly  takes  the  paper  from  him  and  looking 
fixedly  at  Fletcher  tears  the  sheet  across  and  drops 
it  on  the  floor.] 

I  cannot,  nor  I  will  not  write  at  thy  behest. 

[15] 


"THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH" 

Fletcher 

Here's  a  change  indeed — 'Twas  not  so  in  those 
far  happier  days  when  we  together  wrote  turn 
and  turn  about  on  Henry  VHI  and  Wolsey — 
Thou  wert  glad  enough  to  have  my  praise  or 
blame  of  any  part — 

Shakespeare 
Go  then;  choose  another  partner,  for  sooner 
than  pen  lines  I  cannot  feel,  this  hand  of  mine 
shall  wither.  I  will  not  write  to  please  the  rabble 
— if  they  no  longer  care  for  what  is  part  of  me — 
I  care  not  a  jot  for  any  part  of  them.  I  told 
thee.  Jack,  I  was  sick  at  heart  with  all  of  this. 
Thou  dost  but  chafe  the  sore  instead  of  helping 
heal  it.  I  prithee  peace;  I  am  not  in  the  vein 
to  talk  with  thee.  [Fletcher  goes  to  side  of  table 
and  seats  himself  upon  it  facing  Shakespeare.] 

Fletcher 
Will — [Shakespeare  remains  unmoved ;  head  on 
hand  looking  down.]  Will — thou  foolish  one — 
All  this  talk  of  thine  about  the  rabble — and  the 
doltish  public.  Why,  is  it  not  their  praise  alone 
that  thou  does  want.^*  What!  Want  the  praise 
and  favour  of  fools  .^  Cry  for  the  thing  that  thou 
art  all  the  while  abusing?  Thou  foolish  one! 
[He  puts  his  arm  on  Shakespeare^ s  shoulder.] 

[i6] 


a 


THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH" 


Shakespeare 
[Shaking  his  head  and  smiling  slightly.]     Nay, 
Jack,  'tis  not  that  I  want  the  favour  of  fools; 
but  I  would  the  fools  were  better  favoured — with 
wit  and  understanding. 

Fletcher 
There,  that  is  more  like  thyself.    Come,  shall 
we  to  work  upon  this  next  scene,  thou  shalt  have 
all  the  serious  parts.     [Seats  himself  at  table  and 
takes  pen  and  paper.]    Where  is  the  place  here? 
[Pulls  folio    towards   him.     Shakespeare  re- 
mains impassive.    Enter  R.  Mistress  Bellott 
and    Nan,    who    carries    a    small    basket. 
Shakespeare  with  a   glad  cry  of  welcome 
rises  and  greets  Mistress  Bellott  with  a  kiss\ 

Shakespeare 

Mary,  how  kind  of  thee,  and  yet  unkind  to 
have  left  me  thus  alone  so  long. — Ah,  my  dear 
playfellow  Nan,  where  hast  been  this  many  a 
day? 

[Nan  clasps  his  arm,,  looking  up  into  his  face  \ 

Mistress  B. 
Nay,   Will,   why  hast   thou  left  us   so  much 
alone?    Have  we  offended  thee?     Stephan  says 
that  thou  didst  coldly  pass  him  by  but  yesterday. 
Why  art  so  changed  of  late? 

[17] 


"THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH" 

Shakespeare 

[Slowly  and  dully.]  Ay,  Mary,  I  am  changed, 
but  'tis  because  of  change  in  others. 

[Fletcher  has  silently  greeted  them  both,  and 
resumed  his  writing.  Mary  acknowledges 
the  greeting  with  a  smile.  Nan  leaves 
Shakespeare,  goes  and  kneels  in  chair  at 
side  of  table,  trying  to  make  Fletcher  stop; 
he  playfully  repulses  her.] 

Mary 

Master  Fletcher,  what  means  he  by  change 
in  others?    Sure  we  have  done  naught — 

Fletcher 

Will,  by  your  leave,  let  me  but  have  a  word 
with  Mistress  Bellott.  I  think  I  see  a  way  to 
bring  about  a  cure. 

[Mary  seats  herself  in  chair  by  fire.  Fletcher 
crosses  and  stands  facing  her.  They  con- 
verse in  dumb  show.] 

Shakespeare 

[Lifts  Nan  out  of  chair,  seats  himself  and  takes 
her  on  his  knee.]  There:  now  tell  me,  thou  rogue 
of  the  world — what  hast  been  doing  all  thy  days  "i 

li8] 


"THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH" 

Nan 

I  have  been  making  cakes  for  you. — See  [holds 

up    basket].      Marchpanes — and    cut    in    hearts 

and  crosses. 

Shakespeare 

Thou  clever  one!  and  all  for  me.    What  pay- 
ment for  such  sweet  labour? 

[He  takes  cake  and  slowly  eats  it.] 

Nan 
[Shakes  her   head,  breaks   piece  from   cake   in 
Shakespeare^s  hand;  slowly   munches   it.]     Let's 
play  at  that  game  you  taught  me. — Secrets. 

Shakespeare 
What  game  was  that,  sweetheart? 

Nan 
You  know  full  well.    We  tell  each  other  dread- 
ful tales — whispering  close — and  then  we  say  to 
what  one  only  can  the  tale  be  told.  You  know 
that,  don't  you? 

Shakespeare 

Ay,  I  had  forgot. 

Nan 

I  mind  that  once  you  told  me  about — what 
was  it  now? — I  have  forgot — and  told  me  I  could 
only  tell  it  to  the  pump  before  our  door. 
[Shakespeare  is  much  entertained.] 

[19] 


iC 


THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH" 


Shakespeare 
And  didst  thou? — I  fear  he  was  a  leaky  friend, 
and  doubtless  poured  it  out  before  thy  back  was 
turned. 

Nan 

I  care  not — 'twas  your  secret,  Master  Will, 
and  if  he  spouted  it  out  to  all  the  neighbors 
the  fault  was  yours.  I  never  liked  him,  for  when 
I  worked  his  wooden  arm  he  splashed  my  new 
red  shoes.  But  tell  me  now  at  once  a  pleasant 
tale,  and  then  say  who  I  am  to  tell  it  to. 
[Shakespeare  pauses,  thinking,  nods  and  softly 
whispers  in  Nan^s  ear.  She  gurgles  zvith  laughter 
and  pounds  him  on  the  breast.] 

Nan 

O,  Master  Will,  Master  Will,  where  did  you 
hear  a  tale  like  that. 

Shakespeare 
[Finger  on  lips.]    Tut!    And  thou  must  only 
tell  it  to — Crab,  thine  old  dog,  who  lies  asleep 
before  the  fire. 

Nan 
[Nodding  head,  smiling.]     Ay,  Crab  is  safe — 
he'll  never  tell  [suddenly  serious].     But  then  poor 
Crab  is  very  deaf;  I  fear  I'll  have  to  shout  it  in 

his  ear,  and  someone  else  will  surely  hear  me. 

[20] 


"THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH" 

Shakespeare 

[Solemnly.]  Nay,  lift  but  his  ear  up  gently 
and  whisper.  Crab  will  understand;  tell  him  I 
told  thee  to  tell  him. 

Nan 
Ay,  that  I  will  [she  lovingly  pats  Shakespeare'' s 
cheek].  And  now  I'll  tell  you — Oooh!  such  a 
tale — [finger  raised  in  warning  and  you  must 
only  tell  it  to — [looks  round,  then  points  at  table] 
the  ink  pot  there ! 

Shakespeare 
The  ink  pot!   There's  a  choice  indeed!    He  has 
set  forth  many  secret  thoughts  of  mine  ere  this. 
One  more  matters  not. — Come,  thy  tale! 

[Nan  endeavors  to  keep  from  laughing,  then 
pulls  down  Shakespeare's  head  and  whis- 
pers in  his  ear.] 

Shakespeare 
[Staring   with   mock   horror   at   her.]     O   thou 
naughty  one!    Thou  rogue  of  the  world!    Why — 
Why— 

Nan 
[Finger  on  lips.]    No — No — !    Tell  him  [points 
to  ink  pot]. 

[21] 


"THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH" 

Shakespeare 

Nay,  I  will  tell  thy  Mother— Mary! 
[Mistress  Bellott  half  turns.] 

Nan 

[Clapping  her  hand  on  his  mouth.]  No,  not 
Mother — the  ink  pot,  the  ink  pot  only,  Master 
Will! 

[Shakespeare  leans  back  and  gazes  at  her,  smil- 
ing and  shaking  his  head.] 

Shakespeare 

[In  a  low  whisper.]  Thy  father  and  mother — 
A  kiss  didst  thou  say? 

[Nan  pounds  him  with  one  hand  and  with  the 
other  points  at  the  ink  pot,  nodding.  Shake- 
speare pulls  it  towards  him  and  bending 
down,  pretends  to  whisper  into  it.  Nan  is 
intensely  interested.] 

Nan 

[Subsiding.]  I  have  something  else  to  tell  you, 
Master  Will — 

Shakespeare 

Nay,  no  more  secrets.  One  such  as  that's  as 
much  as  I  can  hold. — I  dare  not  hear  another. 

[22  1 


"THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH" 

Nan 
'Tis  not  a  secret.  Two  friends  of  mine  have 
often  asked  me  of  you. — ^They  long  to  see  and 
speak  with  you.  They  are  two  very  pleasant 
friends,  one  is  named  Noll  and  Jack's  the  younger 
one. — May  they  not  come  and  see  you.? 

Shakespeare 
Ay  to  be  sure,  when  e'er  thou  wilt,  sweetheart. 
I'm  very  sure  thou  hast  told  them  rare  tales  of 
me,  and  of  our  tricks  and  sports — 

Nan 
No,  Master  Will,  'tis  not  for  that  they  long  to 
see  you — 'tis  because  you've  writ  such  fine  brave 
plays.    They  often  speak  of  that — 

Shakespeare 

[His  mood  changing,  he  frowns  slightly,  then  puts 

Nan  off  his  knee,   rising  and  speaking  half  to 

himself \     Is   it  there  also!     My  only  audience 

now  is  but  fools  and  children.    \Nan  is  bewildered 

at  the  sudden  change  and  looks  at  him  perplexed; 

she  tries  to  take  his  hand.]    Nay,  nay,  go  thy  ways 

— go  thy  ways.    [He  crosses  to  Fletcher  and  Mary. 

— Nan  stands  in  doubt,  then  unperceived  slips  out 

door  R.     Mary  rises  and  puts  her  arms  round 

Shakespeare^s  shoulders.] 

[23] 


ii 


THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH" 


Mary 

Ah,  Will — sweet  Will,  my  dear,  my  honored 
friend — be  not  cast  down  by  this  that  Master 
Fletcher  tells  me.  Thou  wert  not  wont  to  set 
such  store  by  the  voice  of  all  the  town. — ^Are  not 
thy  better  plays  set  forth  in  print  for  all  to  read  ? 
[Fletcher  stands  left  back.] 

Fletcher 
Ay,  that's  a  point. — And  many  times  too! 

Shakespeare 

In  print!  I  care  not  for  those  that  only  read. — 
My  lines  were  meant  to  be  sounded  forth  upon 
the  stage!  Ay,  and  they  were  too  once,  but  now 
— well,  no  more  of  that. 

[Sits  in  chair  by  fire.  Mary  kneels  beside  him 
L.  Fletcher  stands  on  other  side  of  chair, 
leaning  over  back.  Shakespeare  sits  moodily 
gazing  at  fire — a  slight  pause.] 

Fletcher 

Will — Mistress  Bellott  and  I  here,  have  set  a 
plan  afoot. 

Mary 

Ay,  Will,  listen — 'tis  thought  out  for  thee. 

[24] 


"THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH" 

Shakespeare 
Well— 

Fletcher 

'Tis  this;  if  thou  wilt  but  give  consent  to  take 
up  thy  work  on  this  our  new  play,  why  I  will 
go  and  see  those  in  charge  of  the  playhouse  and 
use  my  uttermost  effort  to  have  restored  once 
more  thy  worthier  works.  The  comedies  to  be 
banished  for  a  time,  and  by  and  by  thou  shalt 
see  the  inconstant  public  turning  once  again  thy 
way.  Then,  our  new  play  finished,  all  shall  be 
well  again. 

Shakespeare 

[Smiling  and  shaking  head.]  Ah,  Jack,  this 
woodcock  is  not  to  be  caught  by  such  a  springe 
as  that — 

Mary 

But  wilt  thou  give  him  leave  to  try.? 

Shakespeare 

[Tenderly  stroking  her  hair.]    Mary,  I  can  deny 

thee  nothing. 

Mary 

And    thou    wilt    write    the    parts     in     this 

new  play. 

Shakespeare 

Well,  have  it  as  thou  wilt. 

[Mary  signs  to  Fletcher  and  he  goes  out  hastily^ 

[25] 


"THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH" 

Mary 
Will,  'twas  not  alone  for  this  I  came  to  see 
thee.    Thou  hast  ever  been  our  good  angel — and, 

0  Will,  things  are  very  ill  at  home  with  us ! 

Shakespeare 
Again ! 

Mary 

Ay,  'tis  father  and  Stephan  are  again  in 
trouble.  Father  declares  that  Stephan  wrongs 
him,  and  that  ancient  lawsuit  was  adjudged 
wrong.  He  blames  you  too  for  all  the  part  you 
played.  He  drove  Stephan  forth  of  the  house 
and  I  have  come  to  thee — 

Shakespeare 
[Rousing.]  By  heaven  this  is  too  much!  Mary 
when  first  I  came  to  lodge  with  thy  father  and 
mother — thou  wert  then  but  a  young  and  tender 
maid.  I  loved  thee  as  a  daughter — thou  wert 
so  near  the  age  of  my  own  Judith — my  Judith — 

1  saw  the  love  grow  'twixt  Stephan,  thy  father's 
young  apprentice,  and  thyself — 

Mary 

And  then  when  trouble  came  upon  us,  'twas 
thy  words  and  thy  kind  help  that  smoothed 
the  way. 

[26] 


i( 


THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH" 


Shakespeare 

[Half  to  himself.]  Did  e'er  the  course  of  true 
love  run  smooth? 

Mary 

Father  has  ne'er  forgiven  Stephan  and  that 
is  why  that  I  am  often  sad. 

Shakespeare 
He  shall  forgive  him.    Why  should  he  bear  that 
ancient  grudge  against  him? 

Mary 

[Suddenly  starting  up,  and  looking  round  room.] 
Nan!    Where  is  Nan? 

Shakespeare 

She  was  here  but  even  now.  She  cannot  be 
far  away.  [Calls.]  Nan,  thou  rogue  of  the 
world,  where  art  thou! 

[Mary  goes  to  door  L.  and  looks  in.] 

Mary 

She  is  not  there. — I  must  go  at  once,  I  fear  she 
may  have  wandered  to  the  river. 

Shakespeare 

Tut!    She  is  but  hiding  somewhere,  or  at  home. 

[27] 


(< 


THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH" 


Mary 

And    thou    wilt    speak    to    father,  Will?    I 
must  go. — 

Shakespeare 

[Tenderly  taking  her  in  his  arms.]    Ay  Mary, 
courage,  dear  heart,  all  will  yet  be  well. 

Mary 

Farewell,  thou  hast  comforted  me  much.    [She 
goes  out.] 

[Shakespeare  sits  at  table  Z,.,  picks  up  papers 
which  Fletcher  has  been  at  work  upon — 
reads  slowly,  frowning,  looks  at  folio,  turns 
pages,  marking  passages;  then  gathers  book 
and  papers  together  and  slowly  goes  ijito 
room  L.  A  short  pause. — Nan  rushes  in  R. 
She  is  followed  more  slowly  by  Noll  and 
Jack.  Noll  is  a  stocky,  somewhat  heavy 
boy  of  14,  but  bright  intelligent  face — He 
is  dressed  in  brown  suit  and  hat,  plum 
colored  stockings  and  light  leather  shoes. 
Jack  is  a  direct  contrast,  auburn  hair,  pale 
complexion,  dreamy  and  thoughtful.  He 
is  dressed  in  a  black  suit  with  white  neck 
cloth    and    carries   his   cap.      It   is   to   be 

seen  that  NolPs  love  for  Jack  comes  from 

[28I 


"THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH" 

the  fact  that  he  has  appointed  himself  his 
guardian.  Jack's  love  for  Noll  comes  from 
the  lack  in  his  own  nature  that  NoWs  supplies 
— physical  strength.  Nan  likes  Jack  for  his 
imaginative  sense — she  secretly  loves  Noll 
for  his  manliness.] 

Nan 
Master  Will,  here  are — Why  where  is  he  ?    He 
was  here  but  a  minute  since  with  Mother. — No 
matter,  boys,  we'll  wait.    He  can't  be  long  away. 
[Noll  and  Jack  gaze  silently  at  the  room.] 

Jack 

[Going  to  table  and  picking  up  pen  and  book.] 
Is  this  where  he  writes,  Nan.^ 

Nan 
Ay,  and  plays  tricks  and  sports  with  me  too. — 
What  are  you  about,  NoU.^ 

[Noll  has  been  examining  contents  of  chest. — 
He  pulls  out  tinsel  gilt  crown  and  holds 
it  out.] 

Noll 
See  here  what  I  have  found!     I  warrant  this 
is  the  very  crown  I  saw  that  player  have  on 
when   he   played   Harry   the   Fifth;   or   was    it 
Richard  t 

[29  1 


"THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH" 

Nan 
Let  me  see,  let  me  see — [Runs  to  chest;  drags 
out  large  felt  hat.]  Here's  Romeo's  hat — O — and 
here's  a  robe — [Drags  it  out.  Noll  puts  on  crozun, 
walks  proudly  to  chair  by  fire,  takes  Shakespeare'' s 
cloak,  wraps  it  round  him  and  sits  up  very  straight 
in  chair.] 

Noll 

[In  a  stilted  style  and  without  expression.] 
"Here  once  again  we  sit,  once  again  crowned, 
and  looked  upon  I  hope  with  cheerful  eyes — 
But  shall  these  last  or  we — [Pauses  trying  to  get 
words.]  But  shall  we  wear  these  glories  for  a 
[pauses]  day  [with  a  rush]  or  will  they  last  and 
we  rejoice  in  them."  [Nan  with  felt  hat  on  and 
dragging  robe  comes  down  and  regards  him 
with  interest.] 

Noll 

Now,  you  must  say  "Long  live  they  and  for- 
ever may  you  last — " 

Nan 
Why? 

Noll 

No  you  can't — I  had  forgot — girls  are  not  let 

to  play  upon  the  stage. — Jack,  come  here  and 

speak  the  line. 

[30] 


"THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH" 

Jack 

[Reading  in  book  at  table.]     What — what  line? 

Nan 

No — I  will  not  say  it  neither — and  Noll  you 
have  no  right  to  touch  Master  Will's  crown. — 
Give  it  me — 

Noll 

No — that  I  will  not;  'tis  not  thine — [She 
attempts  to  seize  it. — He  pushes  her  and  she  slaps 
his  face.  He  grabs  her  hand  and  restraining  him- 
self says.]  Thou  little  vixen,  wert  thou  not  a 
maid — I'd  cuff  thee  soundly!  [Pulls  the  hat  down 
over  her  eyes. — She  hits  out  blindly,  Noll  laughs, 
lifts  the  hat  and  Nan  smiles.  He  whispers  to  her, 
she  nods.  They  go  to  chest  at  back.  Jack  at  side 
of  table  picks  up  torn  pieces  and  reads,  half  to 
himself.] 

Jack 

"Let  us  leave  the  city — Before  we  sully  our 
gloss  of  youth"  [pauses  and  smiles  as  though 
pleased,  takes  other  piece].  "If  labour  through 
our  gain  but  life  and  weakness — "  [looks  for  other 
pieces.  Shakespeare  appears  at  door  L.  He 
stands  unobserved,  listening.] 

[31] 


ii 


THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH" 


Noll 

Come,  Jack,  we  are  going  to  act  a  play. — Fm 
for  Harry  the  Fifth  [seizes  sword  from  chest  and 
strikes  attitude].  "Once  more  into  the — the  hole, 
dear  friends — or  pile  the — the — it  up  with  our 
EngHsh  dead!" 

Nan 

No — let's  have  Juliet  and  Romeo.  I'll  be 
Romeo — no,  I'll  be  Juliet. 

Noll 

I  tell  you,  girls  are  not  let  to  play  upon  the 
stage. 

Jack 

Nan  can  be  one  of  those  that  sit  and  look — 
I  speak  for  Hamlet — I'll  be  Hamlet — I  am 
dressed  in  black — 'Tis  not  alone  my  inky  cloak, 
good  Mother! 

Nan     - 

I  want  to  be  the  Mother! 

Noll 
No;  I  tell  you! 

Jack 

Noll,  you  can  be  the   King  and  wear  that 

crown  and  robe. 

[32] 


"THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH" 

Noll 
So  long  as  I  can  be  a  King  I  care  not. 

Nan 

Let's  have  a  play  with  fairies  in  it,  and  all 
pretty  things — 

Jack 

Those  are  but  toys;  and  only  fit  for  the 
groundlings — 

Noll 

Yes,  Jack,  you're  right. — ^The  fine  big  things 
for  my  money — [Shakespeare^ s  face  lights  up 
with  pleasure  as  he  listens.]  I  care  not  for  your 
loves  and  doves  and  laughing  Jacks. 

Nan 
Well,  then  I'll  be  one  of  those  that  sit  and  look 
on.  [Goes  to  back  and  comes  walking  mincingly.] 
Ods  my  life,  I'm  going  to  the  play — I  dearly 
love  a  play — Ods  bodikins,  I  crave  permission 
to  come  in.  [She  pulls  chair  round  facing 
R.  and  sits.] 

Shakespeare 

[Imitating  Nan,  walks  in  daintily.]  I  crave 
permission  too. — Ods  my  life,  be  the  players 
ready? — I  heard  no  trumpet  sound — [Nan  jumps 
down  from  chair  and  seizes  his  hands.] 

[33  1 


(( 


THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH" 


Nan 

Master  Will,  Master  Will!   These  are  the  two 

I  told  you  of. — ^This  is  Jack  and  that  one's  Noll — 

[Shakespeare  sits  in  chair  L.     Nan  on  his 

right  side  puts  her  arm  over  his  shoulder 

and  softly  pats  him.} 

Shakespeare 
My  lads,  you  are  right  welcome.    I  fear  I  have 
broke  in  upon  a  pleasant  game. — Pray  you  pro- 
ceed.   [To  Noll.]    But  tell  me  is  Harry  the  Fifth 
thine  only  choice.'' 

Noll 
No,  Master  Will;  I  dearly  love  another  Harry 
play — ^Harry  the  Eighth — Father  and  I  were  at 
the  Globe  when  it  was  last  played. — You  remem- 
ber that  time. 

Shakespeare 
I  am  not  like  to  forget  that  [laughing].    The 
Globe  was  burned  to  the  ground.     Is  that  the 
reason  for  thy  choice.^ 

Noll 

No,  Master  Will,  it  is  [hesitates]  because  I 
love  to  hear  my  own  name  spoke  out  loud  by 
the  player,  to  all  the  people  there. 

I  34] 


"THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH" 

Shakespeare 

Thine  own  name !  Why  my  lad,  there  is  none 
called  Noll,  or  Oliver,  in  all  that  play.  What 
mean'st  thou  ? 

Noll 

No  not  exactly  all  my  name,  but  one  there  is 
who  near  the  end  says:  "Cromwell,  Cromwell, 
had  I  but  served  my  King  with  half  the  zeal 
that  I  have  served  my  God- 


5? 


Shakespeare 

'Tis  the  other  way  round  I  think;  but  those 
are  Jack  Fletcher's  lines,  do  as  thou  likest  with 
'em.  So  thy  name  is  Oliver  Cromwell,  eh.''  Thou 
art  the  son  of  the  Putney  brewer.^ 

Noll 
He's  not  a  brewer.    He  but  owns  a  brewery. 

Shakespeare 

I  cry  you  mercy — I  shall  not  forget.  But  if 
thou  dost  so  like  to  hear  thy  name,  why  not 
choose  As  You  Like  It.  There  is  I'm  sure  enough 
of  Oliver  in  that. 

[35] 


"THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH" 

Noll 

'Tis  not  as  /  like  it,  at  all. — ^That's  but  a 
silly  play. 

Shakespeare 

I  am  of  the  opinion  also.  [Pats  him  on  shoulder; 
turns  to  Jack.]  And  what  is  thy  choice  after 
Hamlet,  Prince  of  Denmark  t  By  the  same  rule 
as  Oliver's  here,  it  should  be  Harry  the  Fourth, 
so  that  thou  could'st  hear  the  name  of  Jack — 
Falstaff— 

Jack 

My  name's  not  Jack, — it's  John — [Noll  pro- 
duces apple  from  his  pocket  and  slowly  eats  it 
throughout  this  dialogue.] 

Shakespeare 
Why,  so  it  should  be  then  King  John  thou'd 
choose. — ^What  is  thy  other  name,  sweet  lad.^* 

Jack 
My  father's  Mr.  Milton,  the  rich  scrivener. — 
We  live  in  Bread  Street — 

Shakespeare 

Nan,  thou  hast  chosen  thy  friends  well.    We 

shall  never  lack  for  food  and  drink;  the  one's 

father   owns    a    brewery,    the   other's    lives    in 

Bread  Street. 

[36] 


"THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH" 

Nan 

Jack  said  he  wanted  most  to  see  you,  Master 
Will,  because  you  write  such  brave  verses.  He 
can  make  verses  too;  can't  you.  Jack? 

Jack 

I  hear  them  in  my  head,  and  write  them 
down. — I  know  not  whether  I  make  them  or  not. 

Shakespeare 

[Interested.]  What  wilt  thou-  be,  Jack — I 
should  say  John — when  thou  art  a  man  ^ 

Jack 

[With  faraway  look  in  his  eyes.]    A  poet — 

Noll 
A  poet!    Who  told  thee  so? 

Jack 

No  one — I  know  not  how  I  know — but  I  do 
know. 

[Shakespeare  looks  at  him  fixedly,  then 
silently  clasps  him  in  his  arms,  and  says 
with  deep  emotion.] 

[37] 


"THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH" 

Shakespeare 
O,  little  brother,  thou  hast  spoke  truer  words 
than  thou  perhaps  may  ever  know.  That  inner 
voice's  call  must  never  pass  unheeded — I  know — 
I  know!  [Turns  to  Noll  with  change  of  manner.] 
And  thou,  Oliver,  what  is  thy  choice  ?  What  wilt 
thou  be? 

Noll 
A  KingI 

Nan 
[Giving  him   a  push.] — ^A   KingI     Who   told 
thee  so? 

Noll 
My  mother. — She  says  her  father's  father,  and 
his  father  too,  were  of  the  very  family  as  our 
noble  King  James. 

Shakespeare 
Ay,  that's  true;  that's  very  true. — I  remember 
hearing  thy  mother's  name  was  Steward. 

Noll 
That's  why  I  love  your  plays,  Master  Will, 
you  speak  so  well  of  Kings  and  men  who  rule 
the  state.     I  once  played  a  King,  'twas  when  I 

was  at  school. 

[38] 


"THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH" 

Shakespeare 

Didst  thou  so? — Come  give  us  a  taste  of 
thy  quaUty. — ^We're  Hke,  Nan,  to  see  our  play 
after  all. 

[Noll  hands  his  apple  to  Shakespeare  to  hold; 
then  wraps  cloak  round  him  and  with 
stilted  gestures  declaims  without  expression.] 

"This  crown  and  robe 
My  brows  and  body  circles  and  invests 
How  gallantly  it  fits  me,  sure  the  slave 
Measured  my  head  that  wrought  this  coronet — 
They  lie  who  say  complexions  cannot  change 
My  blood's  ennobled,  and  I  am  transformed 
Into  the  sacred  temper  of  a  KingV^ 

Shakespeare 

Hold!  Hold — [Smiling.]  Noll,  if  thou  wilt  one 
day  be  a  King,  it  will  be  but  a  sorry  imitation. — 
Thou  canst  not  even  play  it  now.  Speak  the 
speech  trippingly  on  the  tongue — 

Jack 

[Eagerly.]  Ay,  that  is  what  Prince  Hamlet 
said  to  the  player — 

Shakespeare 

What  sayst  thou,  Jack? 
•  [39] 


"THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH" 

Jack 

'Tis  what  you  yourself  made  Hamlet  say: 
"Speak  the  speech  trippingly  or  I  had  as  leave 
the  town  crier  spoke  my  lines — "  You  remem- 
ber that? 

Shakespeare 

[Smiling.]  Did  I  so? — But,  lad,  there  have  so 
many  others  spoke  for  me  since  Hamlet  said  his 
lines.    [Pauses  in  thought.] 

Jack 

See,  here  it  is — I  have  the  book  about  me — 
[Pulls  out  tattered  quarto  of  Hamlet  and  turns 
pages  to  find  place. — Shakespeare  takes  it 
from  him  curiously;  Jack  shows  him  the 
place.  He  reads  with  interest,  turning  over 
a  page.] 

Shakespeare 

By  the  mass!  That's  very  good — that's  very 
good. — ^That  line  I  mind  now  cost  me  some  con- 
cern— and  that  whole  passage  wrote  itself  I 
knew  not  how.    And  thou,  my  Jack,  hast  carried 

this  about  and  read  it  oft? 

[40] 


"THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH 


jj 


Jack 

I  only  saw  it  at  the  Globe  once — my  father 
likes  not  plays  or  players — but  then  I  bought 
the  book  for  sixpence,  and  so  I  now  can  have  it 
all,  as  often  as  I  wish. 

[Takes  the  book  from  Shakespeare  and  care- 
fully puts  it  in  his  coat.  Shakespeare  is 
lost  in  thought.] 

Noll 

Master  Will,  write  us  another  play  all  about 
Kings — with  many  speeches  all  about  the  crown 
and — and — 

Jack 

And  full  of  lines  that  sound  so  fine,  even  when 
you  say  them  to  yourself,  and  only  think  you 
hear  them — 

Shakespeare 

Is  that  your  chosen  play?  [With  animation.} 
By  the  mass!  And  I  will  write  at  thy  behest. 
But  how  like  you  that  last  one  about  the  island 
full  of  fairies  and  hobgoblins  ? 

Nan 

Noll     said     fairies     were     but     fit     for     the 

groundlings — 

[41] 


"THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH" 

Noll 

I  did  not  say  that  any  part  of  Master  Will's 
plays  were  but  for  the  groundlings. — I  stood 
among  them  once  and  they  never  knew  good 
from  bad. 

Jack 

There  wasn't  any  bad  if  so  be  it  was  Hamlet 
or  Macbeth — 

Shakespeare 
Say'st  thou  so,  truepenny! 

Jack 

There,  that's  what  Hamlet  said  to  his  father. 
[Shakespeare  is  beaming  with  pleasure — Enter 
Fletcher,  R.] 

Fletcher 

Will,  I  fear  I  have  failed. 

[Shakespeare    looks    puzzled    and    stares    at 
Fletcher.     Enter  Mistress  Bellott  hurriedly.] 

Mistress  B. 

Nan,  thou  naughty  one,  what  a  fright  hast 

thou  given  me — 

[42]      ■ 


il 


THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH" 


Shakespeare 
The  light  of  joy  that  she  has  brought  to  me 
must  make  amends,  Mary. — What  dost  mean, 
Jack,  that  thou  hast  failed? 

Jack 
I — failed — I  have  not  said  so! 

Shakespeare 
Nay,  lad,  I  speak  to  Master  Fletcher  here. 

Fletcher 

They  at  the  Globe  will  not  hear  of  any  change. 
— ^The  people  are  for  comedies  and  such  like 
shows.    They  care  not  for  serious  plays — 

Shakespeare 

The  people!  Perdition  seize  the  people!  Here 
are  three  loving,  loyal  hearts  shall  outweigh  the 
empty  brains  of  a  theatrefull  of  barren  spectators 
— See — Nan,  my  rogue  of  the  world  [takes  her 
on  his  knee].  Master  John  Milton — [Jack  kneels 
R.]  we  poets  know,  eh,  Jack.^ — ^And  Master 
Oliver  Cromwell — that  shalt  be  King  hereafter 
— [Jack  murmurs  with  a  smile — "Macbeth, 
Banquo."] 

[43] 


<( 


THE  GLOSS  OF  YOUTH" 


Fletcher 
What  dost  thou  mean,  Will? 

Mistress  B. 
I  do  not  understand! 

Shakespeare 
Why  look  you — let  the  public  have  what  it 
please. — The  public !  The  present  voice  is  naught ! 
[Clasps  the  children  to  him.]  Here's  all  my  joy. — 
The  Future — ay,  the  eternal  voice  is  mine  when 
it  can  speak,  and  wake  response  in  hearts  and 
souls  like  these! 

[Fletcher  and  Mistress  B.  still  do  not  under- 
stand,— Shakespeare  whispers  in  Nan^s  ear, 
she  laughs. — Noll  and  Jack  ask  ifi  dumb 
show  what  it  is;  Shakespeare  is  in  ani- 
mated talk  with  them  as  the  curtain  falls.] 


A  NEW  VARIORUM  EDITION 

OF  THE  WORKS  OF 

WILLIAM  SHAKESPEARE 

EDITED  BY 
HORACE  HOWARD  FURNESS,  Ph.D.,  LL.D.,  Litt.D. 

AND 

HORACE  HOWARD  FURNESS,  Jr.,  A.B.,  Litt.D. 

"  The  most  scholarly  edition  of  Shakespeare  that  the 

world  has  ever  seen.     It  is  7iot  only  the  best  edition, 

IT  IS  INDISPENSJBLE."— William  Lyon  Phelps,  Lampson  Pro- 
fessor of  English  Literature,  Yale  University. 

VOLUMES  ISSUED 
ROMEO  AND  JULIET  AS  YOU  LIKE  IT 

HAMLET  (Two  Volumes)  THE  TEMPEST 

KING  LEAR  A  MIDSUMMER  NIGHT'S 

OTHELLO  DREAM 

MACBETH  THE  WINTER'S  TALE 

Revised   Edition  by  Horace  Howard        uttt/^tt        ata/-,        a    r,  r\rTT^ 
Furness.  Jr.  MUCHADOABOUT 

THE  MERCHANT  OF  VENICE  NOTHING 

ANTONY  AND  CLEOPATRA        TWELFTH  NIGHT 
LOVE'S  LABOUR'S  LOST  CYMBELINE 

EDITED  BY  HORACE  HOWARD  FURNESS.  JR. 
JULIUS  CAESAR  RICHARD  THE  THIRD 

KING  JOHN 

These  volumes  are  produced  in  a  form  and  style  suited  to  their 
character.  The  greatest  care  has  been  taken  to  give  the  books  not 
only  dignity  of  appearance,  but  a  substantial  quality  which  insures 
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